Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Central MA

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining in Central MA? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Clintons Bar and Grille

4.9

4.9 (1962)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Clinton

About the restaurant

Clintons Bar and Grille offers a vibrant and casual atmosphere with details in our custom lighting, a fully stocked bar area with lounge seating, and a focus on guest satisfaction that provides a unique dining experience in the heart of Clinton.

The detailed contempoary American menu leaves plenty of options for any of our guests' palates ranging from the ever popular butternut squash raviolis to our deliciously tender filet. Come experience a little slice of the city on High Street.
Outdoor dining will be available weather permitting.
Kitchen closes one hour before closing.

Top review

fred

Dined 1 day ago

Always so good, great server and food fantastic. Enjoyable experience.

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Tavern in the Square - Shrewsbury

4.7

4.7 (1064)

$30 and under

American

Shrewsbury

About the restaurant

Tavern in the Square located at the Lakeway Commons on route 9 in Shrewsbury. Our Tavern in the Square Shrewsbury location features an open floor plan along with a 50 seat bar that extends on to our patio. 50 beers on draft and a menu made with the freshest ingredients and our big screen TV’s to watch all your favorite sports teams. Our all season enclosed patio features dining tables, bar chairs, and a lounge area.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on May 31, 2025

Awesome food and great gluten-free menu. Very careful with my allergies. Great atmosphere. And a great place to bring kids.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Worcester

4.7

4.7 (711)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Worcester

About the restaurant

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Worcester serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So, whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested, and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Steaks and lobsters cooked perfectly. Excellent meat quality. Server was excellent. Manager was also excellent and accommodating. Great dining experience for the Worcester area.

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Experience

Moët & Chandon TasteMaker Dinner

The Rail Trail Flatbread Co. - Milford

4.7

4.7 (383)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

Milford

About the restaurant

The Rail Trail Flatbread Co., celebrated its grand opening on 12/12/23, marking not only a milestone in Milford's downtown revitalization but also a nod to the original Hudson location's success. Built in a meticulously renovated former bank that features a spacious restaurant and bar, outdoor patio, and upstairs events space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The Milford location reflects a two-and-a-half-year renovation effort, preserving historical elements like the century-old clock, vault door, and exposed brick walls. The open dining layout encourages interaction, adorned with family photos for a homey feel.

Though famous for flatbreads, Rail Trail boasts diverse offerings, each component is made in-house. Notable flatbreads include "Fig & Walnut" and "Mexican Street Corn," alongside the popular "Primo Pepperoni." Appetizers like "Hot Tots" and "Sesame Cauliflower" showcase Rail Trail's culinary creativity.

Top review

Jack

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

We're regulars at the Milford location because of the drink selection, seasonal specials, and the flatbread always hits just right. Extra kudos to Andy the bartender for remembering us from a previous visit and welcoming us back to the bar.

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Experience

🥞Father’s Day Flatbreads and Flapjacks!🥞

Experience

Kids Eat Free - 4th of July Weekend

Experience

Summer Menu Launch

Alicante Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (345)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Mendon

About the restaurant

Newly Remolded Alicante Restaurant is a waterfront restaurant that offers picturesque scenery with a relaxed and casual ambiance. It has an impressive menu that consists of unique items. All meals are prepared to order, with fresh produce and only high-quality cuts of meat and seafood. Now Open for Sunday Brunch and Dinner service.

Alicante is a well-known venue for casually going out, private parties, gatherings and celebrations . Patrons are welcome to enjoy their meals on the patio ( seasonality), surrounded by the beautiful scenery overlooking the water, or inside the large dining room and bar.

Top review

Donna

Dined 1 day ago

Waitress did not inform us of the specials, food was delicious, but small portions

Black & White Grille

4.6

4.6 (738)

$30 and under

American

Worcester

About the restaurant

Welcome to the Black & White Grille & Pizzeria! We are family owned & operated, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best quality product and service as we would to our own families. Together with our staff, we devote our time to creating entrees that cater to all taste buds. We hope that you enjoy your time spent with us as you dine. Our goal is to make your experience one that will leave you coming back for more.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was excellent Service was outstanding Will definitely return

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Experience

🪄 Magical Tuesdays

The Mercantile

4.6

4.6 (1012)

$30 and under

American

Worcester

About the restaurant

Serving up New American Tavern Cuisine in our two-floor full-service restaurant and bar, equipped with two 50-seat bars, world-inspired snacks and entrees, brick pizza oven, private event space, and an open rooftop patio that offers views of downtown Worcester and City Square. Located next to the DCU Center and minutes from Polar Park, we’re a natural choice pre and post-game.

*Due to limited patio seating, we do not take reservations for our patio. Please note the patio request in your reservation, or ask upon arrival, and we will do our best to accommodate.

**The rooftop is open Wednesday-Friday 4 PM - close. Saturday & Sunday 12 PM - close.

***Public parking is available at The Mercantile Center Garage with direct access to the restaurant on Level 3A.

Top review

Donna

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing server. There was confusion with our reservation at first and took some time to seat us.

El Basha - Westborough

4.5

4.5 (19)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Westborough

About the restaurant

El Basha Restaurant in Westborough is a fine dining establishment that serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant's menu features a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts. All of the dishes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are cooked to perfection. The restaurant's atmosphere is elegant but casual, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The restaurant also has a full bar, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal. El Basha Restaurant is committed to providing its guests with the best possible dining experience. The restaurant's staff is friendly and attentive, and they are always happy to answer any questions you may have. If you are looking for a delicious and authentic Mediterranean dining experience, El Basha Restaurant is the perfect place for you.

Top review

Carolyn

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

I enjoyed a wonderful meal at El Basha. The food was delectable and a very generous serving. The service was impeccable. The ambiance is on point. This was my first visit but it won’t be my last.

Forge and Vine

4.4

4.4 (3280)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Groton

About the restaurant

Drawing inspiration from the region’s history and natural surroundings, the 156-seat freestanding restaurant reflects elemental themes of wood, water, iron, and fire, reminiscent of the carriage houses and blacksmith shops that once dotted the landscape. The centerpiece of Forge & Vine is an eight-foot wood fired grill and open kitchen with counter seating where guests can enjoy dinner while interacting with the chef. Welcoming residents as well as visitors to the area, Forge & Vine offers a strong sense of place with a design sensibility that brings in the outside with floor to ceiling windows offering breathtaking pastoral views of Gibbett Hill. The restaurant boasts spacious and casual bar with service inside and out and features classic and comfortable cuisine sourced from the best produce, seafood, and meats that New England offers.

Top review

Amy

Dined 4 days ago

We had a lovely evening at Forge and Vine. The food was delicious and the server went out of her way to make it a special occasion.

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Wood-Fired Berkshire Pork

Casta Diva

4.3

4.3 (211)

$30 and under

Italian

Northborough

About the restaurant

Casta Diva was founded on the idea that the people of Central Massachusetts shouldn’t have to go all the way to the North End to get real, fresh Northern Italian cuisine.

Top review

JosephVIP

Dined on May 25, 2025

Always a pleasure dining at Casta Diva! Excellent, fresh Italian food served by charming people!

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